Friday, June 01, 2007, Episode #5072

Brooke chats with Taylor.

Brooke stops by Nick's office at Forrester Creations but finds Taylor there. Taylor explains that Nick is in a meeting. Brooke guesses that Nick is glad to be back at work and asks Taylor how the kids are holding up. Taylor replies that Thomas and Steffy are both fine, since they're sheltered from the press in Europe. But R.J. and Phoebe aren't so lucky, Brooke notes, although she's glad R.J. is too young to understand what's going on. Unfortunately, Taylor notes, the same can't be said about Phoebe, who has been quiet despite Taylor's reassurances that Ridge will be fine. Brooke wonders how much support Ridge will get from Stephanie, who went to such lengths to keep Ridge from coming forward and even held Brooke hostage to keep the secret. She's just glad Nick went free once she encouraged Ridge to do the right thing. Taylor wishes Brooke had been able to encourage Rick and Phoebe the same way, since the kids broke up once Rick suggested that Ridge might be guilty. Brooke hopes Phoebe and Rick might patch things up now that they know Ridge was involved in Shane's death, but Taylor confesses that she hopes Rick and Phoebe don't make up. Why not? a surprised Brooke asks, pointing out that Phoebe must be miserable now. Taylor explains that Phoebe's emotions are currently heightened by everything that happened, which might leave Phoebe vulnerable to Rick's advances. Brooke points out that Rick has always been a gentleman with Phoebe, but Taylor fears that Rick is probably as sexually free as his mother.

Taylor makes a request of Brooke.

A stunned Brooke leaves, but Taylor is soon after alerted by Meriah that Ms. Logan was storming out of the building when she turned around and headed back to the executive floor. Brooke stomps into Nick's office, slamming the door and demanding that Taylor take back what she said about Rick's sexual habits. Taylor concedes that she shouldn't have jumped to any conclusions about Rick, although she thinks she has the right to worry given Brooke's sexual inhibitions. Brooke reminds Taylor that she came here out of concern. But there's nothing to be concerned about now, Taylor asserts, since Nick is free, is happily married and has a baby on the way. In fact, she thinks Nick is happier than he's ever been. Brooke suggests that Taylor added that last remark to hurt her. Taylor says she's sorry Nick's joy brings Brooke pain, but she thinks that's all the more reason that Brooke should distance herself from Nick and her, especially since Taylor doesn't need any stress to keep her from enjoying her pregnancy. Brooke states that she thought they were past this and assures Taylor that she's not out to steal Nick. Yet she came here looking for Nick, Taylor notes. Brooke says that she stopped chasing Nick when she learned Taylor was pregnant. She suggests that Taylor relax and enjoy her pregnancy like she's the happiest woman in the word, since that's what she'd do in Taylor's shoes. Brooke then leaves.

Ashley gives Rick some advice.

On the Forrester Originals jet, Rick checks in with the office and learns that the press is all over the building, looking for answers about Ridge. He tells Ashley that he doesn't know what to say to the press or to Phoebe when he arrives. Ashley suggests he not say, "I told you so." Rick can only think about how devastated Phoebe must be. Ashley remarks that she wishes she wasn't right about the gunshot she heard the night Shane apparently died, but she suggests that Rick forget about being right and just be there for Phoebe. Rick tells Ashley that he will, but that doesn't erase what they shared in Mexico, which was more than just a one time fling to him. Ashley suggests they not label what happened in Mexico for now, since she thinks Phoebe needs him more with Ridge facing a long prison sentence. Rick agrees that they can deal with Mexico later, but until they land, he'd like to make the most of what time he has alone with Ashley. They agree that neither of them has any regrets, but they both think it's best that they not tell anyone about their trip. Ashley tells him that she already swore the pilot to secrecy, so no one will know. Rick thanks her and tells her that he'll never forget their time in Mexico, and they seal their pact not to tell with a kiss.

Constantine has an idea to clear Phoebe's head.

At the Marone mansion, Phoebe tells Constantine that Rick is on his way home. Constantine asks if Rick explained why he didn't call, since he heard her ask Rick that. Phoebe covers that she and Rick talked mostly about her dad, although she assumes he was busy with work during his trip. She tells him that Rick said he called once he heard about her dad's confession. She can't wait for Rick to get home so she can apologize for overacting and move on. Constantine wonders if Rick can be so forgiving after being dumped, but Phoebe is sure he'll take her back once she apologizes. Constantine guesses his work here is done, since he promised to wait with Phoebe until she heard from Rick; he tells Phoebe that he's headed back to his studio and asks if she wants to come, since he thinks recording some tracks might get her mind off her dad. Phoebe likes that idea and says she just wants to call her mom on the way to let her know. As Phoebe opens the door for them to leave, she finds Felicia on her doorstep.

Felicia is suspicious of Constantine.

Phoebe asks Felicia if she's looking for Nick. Felicia says that she wanted to talk to Nick and Taylor about Ridge and spies Constantine standing next to Phoebe. Phoebe introduces her aunt to the singer/producer and explains that Constantine thinks she and Rick have talent. Speaking of Rick, Felicia wants to know where he is, since she needs their international expert to help field overseas calls. Phoebe explains that Rick is on his way home, having just learned of Ridge's confession. "Was he on Mars?" Felicia asks, surprised that Rick just found out. Right on cue, Rick calls to ask Phoebe what's going on at the office. Phoebe offers to let him talk to Felicia, but Rick asks if she and Felicia can meet him at the office. Of course, Phoebe replies. Phoebe tells Felicia about Rick's request and apologizes to Constantine for ditching him. Constantine tells her that his offer stands any time she wants to drop by. Phoebe asks Felicia to lock up so she can go ahead (Felicia has a key to the Marone mansion?). Felicia says she will. Once Phoebe leaves, Felicia stops Constantine, as she fears that the Casanova is taking advantage of Phoebe when she's vulnerable. Constantine insists that his only interest in Phoebe is for his record label, and he thinks Phoebe can use the distraction. He gives Felicia his card and tells her to drop by any time to check him out. Felicia is still suspicious and reminds him that Phoebe has a boyfriend named Rick. Constantine assures her that he just wants to support Phoebe because he cares about her, whether they make a record or not.

Phoebe apologizes to Rick.

Phoebe arrives at her dad's office and flashes back to the last time she saw Shane here. "Dad, what did you do?" she asks. As she looks at some of her dad's sketches, she remembers his confessing to being involved in Shane's death. Rick arrives and Phoebe races into his arms, glad that he's here. As she apologizes to him for being so wrong, he tells her that everything is going to be OK. Phoebe then sees that Ashley came in with Rick and apologizes to the fragrance guru for overreacting about Ashley's helping Nick. Ashley says that she knows what it's like to protect her dad, so she understands Phoebe's reaction. Phoebe still feels like she should have known Ashley would never hurt Ridge. Ashley gives Phoebe and Rick some alone time to talk. Phoebe tells Rick that she's glad he's here. She's so sorry that she got mad at him for being honest with her, but he admits that he should have been more sensitive, since he didn't know for sure that her dad was guilty. But he was right, Phoebe explains, and she broke up with him over it. Then he wasn't here when she needed him, and she worried when she couldn't reach him, because she couldn't go through this by herself. Rick tell her that he's here for her. "Forever?" Phoebe asks. "Forever," Rick says as he kisses her.